How and Why was the Boer War Fought?

How and Why was the Boer War Fought?

1. Colonisation

   • Dutch settlers arrived and eventually drove off Bantu tribes.
   • During the Napoleonic Wars, the British seized the Cape. British settlers now joined the Dutch.
   • 1833; British abolished slavery. Boers resented this.
   • Boers set off north as did the British.
     • British annexed north east province, now known as Natal.
     • Boers created two states beyond British frontiers.
       • Orange Free State
       • The Transvaal State

2. Zulu Wars

   • Sir Alfred Bartel wanted to 'tidy up' British rule
     • He wanted to federate Cape Province, Natal, Transvaal and Orange Free State
   • Entire British regiment wiped out at Isandhlwana
   • Shortage of screwdrivers and ammunition boxes led to the Zulu's being able to break to South Wales Borders.
   • Zulu's defeated at the Battle of Ulundi; 4th July 1879.

3. First Boer War

   • Boers demanded their independence back now Zulu threat was removed.
   • Liberal Government under Gladstone conceited to demands.
   • Boers had already inflicted defeat against 400 British soldiers

4. Gold

   • 1886; Gold discovered in Transvaal
     • British capital invested there
   • British immigrants (know was Uitlanders) complained about taxes, wages and the fact they had no political rights.
     • Uitlanders and mine owners preferred Imperial rule.
     • Tom Edgar was murdered by a Boer which made tensions worse.
     • Sir Alfred Milner put pressure on Kruger to make reforms.
       • Milner was just looking for an excuse to be able to take over the Transvaal.
   • Arguably the cause of the war. British felt threatened by Transvaal.